Journey & Adventure

The Boy has returned from school. He has successfully completed 20 months of non-stop college education and has come out with a certificate in Blasting Techniques and a Diploma in Resource Drilling. For those of you that have followed my blog, you will know getting to this point was a HUGE undertaking – many false starts, much money spent and much anxiousness on my part. I am so very proud of his success in getting this far!' Now the period of readjustment begins. The Boy, J and I need to learn how to function as a family unit again. Overall - so far, so good but the tiny cracks are starting to appear. The Boy seems for forget, we still own the house and expect it to be kept in an orderly manner. J and I need to remember he is technically an adult and should not be micro-managed. The plan is for The Boy to live at home, while working in order to save money in order to pay off some of his outrageous school debt. He could make a lot more money if he moved away for work, b...

I don’t know what has gotten into me today, but I am exhausted – mentally and physically. The simple thought of walking to my car tonight after work is exhausting me. I’m thinking it’s the weather as it’s been grey, dreary and raining for a few days now. Yesterday was our first warm day / night of the year. It is so nice to have the windows open at night and listen to the sounds of the frogs croaking and rain coming down. It’s not so nice once stupid dogs start to incessantly bark somewhere in the distance. If I could only figure out where… The pace at work continues at a rapid speed. I guess it’s a good thing because my days flash by like lightning. It would be nice to actually know what day of the week it is though. My sister-in-law is coming home for a visit from Ireland this week. J and I will head to Toronto to pick her up from the airport on Saturday. It will be nice to see her, but alas – I’ll have to forgo my nap that day. *sigh* On the upside, it’s ...

Where to begin?  I promised a full trip report from our trip to the Galapagos in March.  It’s now almost May and let’s be honest - that report isn’t going to get written.   I’ve been too busy at work to mentally process anything by the end of the day. Why have I been busy at work?  Well, while I was on vacation, they finally terminated a long-term, painful employee in our department that has been a thorn in the side of many for years.   Hence the reason for my busyness – I’ve been asked told to take on some “extra” work until they can “figure things out”.  So, in addition to my already busy contract portfolio, I now am responsible for our trademark and corporate portfolio.  Honestly, I’d gladly give up contracts for trademarks and corporate because there is WAAAY less drama and interaction with the outside world.  When did I become so anti-social?  Good question. Now, back to a brief synopsis of our Galapagos trip.  ...

Tonight’s Lotto Max jackpot is estimated to be approximately fifty million dollars, plus 30 additional prizes of one million dollars.   I don’t buy lottery tickets on a regular basis but I couldn’t resist purchasing a ticket for this one.   I know, I know, my odds are greatly reduced because the jackpot is so high and so many more people are buying tickets but I couldn’t resist.   I could do so much good with fifty million dollars – not just for me, but for others as well.     Let’s start with myself, friends and family:   I would obviously be retiring early – is Monday soon enough for you?   I would purchase my oceanfront house in Bonaire and a sweet boat – rigged for both diving and fishing.   I would purchase J’s parents a nice condo, new vehicle and give them enough money to live comfortably.   I would give J’s sister and brother enough money to pay off their mortgages. ...

It’s Canadian Thanksgiving today, so in the spirit of giving thanks, here’s what I’m thankful for: I’m thankful for my family and friends. They all drive me bat-shit crazy on a regular basis, but I appreciate their quirks – in small doses. I’m especially thankful to J for taking care of the majority of the household chores - cleaning, groceries, baking and margarita making. I’m thankful for my sense of humor and the margaritas because without them, I would have totally lost my mind by now. I’m thankful for The Boy and his sense of humor because without it, he would have made me lose my mind by now. I’m thankful my in-laws are hosting the turkey dinner this year for the whole family. I’m especially thankful for not having to have those people in my house for an extended period of time and being able to leave when I want. I’m thankful today is a holiday and therefore, I do not have to spend time with my boss or co-workers. I’m thankful for my job, but would be more thankful...

Now that the craziness of the holiday season is almost behind us, I’m hoping to get back into the blogging state of mind. With everything else going on these days, it’s been hard to keep up. My Christmas shopping is done and wrapped. Thank goodness for small miracles. I’ve been second guessing a couple of the purchases. Not that I’ve overspent on them, I’m just not 100% convinced they will be appreciated as much as I feel they should be. Oh well, I’m not dwelling on it because it’s the thought that counts – right? About 4 weeks ago, J and I ordered new living room furniture for Christmas. Only one piece was being customized with different fabric, but we refused to pay a delivery charge twice, so we’re now expecting it to be delivered in time for Valentine’s Day. It seemed like a good idea at the time. The Gigantic Craft Show has come and gone. After all my hard work, I’m happy to say I made money. Not enough to retire, but enough to call it a success. Will I do the same s...

I don’t even know where to begin other than to say – WTH! I hadn’t planned on posting this, but the more I think about it, the more worked up I’m getting and I think the world needs to know that there are selfish trolls amongst us. This past weekend, we (J’s entire family) had the pleasure of attending the most chaotic wedding EVER. I don’t know what people are thinking or in most cases – not thinking. I’m trying to understand where bad behavior comes from. Is it a learned response or is the under 30 generation to blame for their self-entitlement attitude and inconsideration for others? I’d like to believe it is a learned response and that the entire generation is not made up of “self-absorbed, whiney, the world owes me so much and I don’t want to work for it morons”. Let’s start by saying that J’s niece got married. If we could overlook the fact that the groom is “a piece of work”, it should have been a wonderful family moment. Unfortunately, it turned into mayhem, ...

After a couple of years of wandering aimlessly through a couple of different college programs, The Boy has decided to take a year off from his search of post-secondary knowledge. In hindsight, J and I should have encouraged him to do this sooner, as it would have save a lot of time, money and frustration by everyone involved, but as parents, you want your children to succeed, have more and do more than you personally. During my generation, we finished high school knowing we were lucky to be heading off for college because many of our parents didn’t have that ability. They simply finished high school and entered the work force, got married, started a family, etc. A post-secondary education wasn’t expected from them, or in some cases it wasn’t even an option. In this day and age, we expect our children to be destined for greatness and when greatness doesn’t come exactly how and when we expect it – on our terms and schedule, we become overly concerned that there is something fu...

Yesterday was The Boy’s 20th Birthday. I’m not sure how I feel about that little tidbit. Yesterday, it seemed like just another day, but today I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of where the last 20 years of my life went. Today would have been my mom’s 63rd birthday. As with the last 20 years, the 5 years since her passing have flashed by. I don’t know where the time has gone. So much has happened, yet so little has changed. Tomorrow, I’m having lunch with my boss to complete my performance review. We NEVER go for lunch together until it’s performance review time and then suddenly he feels the need to take me for lunch. Maybe he feels if he feeds me first, I’m less likely to speak my mind. I’d much rather just meet in his office and get it over with. Ugh… Day After Tomorrow is pay day! Everyone LOVES pay day – even if the money is spent before you receive it. Wait, maybe that’s just me… And then…it’s Friday! Need I say more? Happy Tuesday – I hope your...

I borrowed a substantial portion of this post from Ecuador George .  He's another individual in the process of selling it all and relocating to Ecuador (he's quite witty too), so I recommend you pay him a visit.  I found his post very moving.  Not only does it sum up life quite nicely, it's exactly the reason why J and I are moving forward with life...in another country.  Here is a synopsis... Bronnie Ware is an Australian nurse who spent several years caring for patients in the last 12 weeks of their lives. Ware writes of the phenomenal clarity of vision that people gain at the end of their lives, and how we might learn from their wisdom. “When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently,” she says, “common themes surfaced again and again.” REGRETS OF THE DYING by Bonnie Ware For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were...

It’s Thursday and I’m beside myself with excitement. Why? Well, The Boy is finishing up with his last exam for the school year, which means: The Top 10 Things that excite me about The Boy being done school for the summer… 10. No more early mornings. 9. No more late nights. 8. No more having to hear how “STUPID” his professors are. 7. No more cranky people in my car, except me. 6. No more trash in my car that is not mine. 5. Once again, I’ll be able to listen to whatever music I choose. 4. Once again, I’ll be able to sing off key to said music. 3. No more having to hear his ringtone for text notifications. 2. No more stops alongside the road because The Boy downed a whole bottle of Gatorade and cannot possibly wait until we get home. And the #1 thing that excites me about The Boy being done school for the summer… 1.My car will no longer smell like “boy” (aka stinky sneakers and stale farts). PLEASE NOTE: I love him to death, I j...

Let me first start by saying that I have no experience in this area, but am slowly gathering some knowledge through my research while trying to help The Boy “discover himself”. Truth is - I’m trying to get him out of my house and into the world… Although, I joke about his wasted college days, I don’t see anything that helps you decide the things you DON’T want to do in life as a total waste. Yes, money has been spent on school that could have been better spent elsewhere. Enough said… I’m not dwelling on that. Moving forward… So, The Boy is once again at a crossroads of what he wants to do with his life. He’s tried three separate college programs (broadcast television, business marketing and most recently, culinary management) and none seem to be fulfilling a need in his life. While he enjoys culinary, it’s not something he can see himself making a long term career out of. He’s a hard worker, but just doesn’t have the passion for it. With all that being said, it’s been di...

I received this e-mail today and thought I would share...   When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' The profe...

Technically I was back to work yesterday after being off work for almost a week. I am fortunate that the company I work for provides for five days paid bereavement leave, which allowed me to attend the funeral of my grandfather in New Brunswick, Canada and spend a few additional days with family. Although the circumstances weren’t ideal, it was nice to spend some time with loved ones that I haven’t seen since my mother’s funeral in 2007. We also spent a fun day with my dad, just driving around the back country roads looking for moose for J to photograph. Sadly, no moose were seen, but plenty of laughs were had at my dad’s expense. He’s quite the character. After spending time with family, J and I took off to my favorite place in Canada - St. Andrew’s, New Brunswick. This small seaside village is located on the Bay of Fundy and is absolutely deserted in the winter, but the clean, cold ocean air and sunshine was just what I needed to clear the cobwebs and stress of the previous ...

I used to think every day was a good day to travel, but that is not the case today.  J and I are headed to New Brunswick, Canada to attend my grandpa's funeral tomorrow - we fly out tonight. I think this is the first time I've had to pack sweaters for a trip - usually I travel light because I'm headed south, but it's slightly impossible when headed to the east coast in February. Although, it's a sad occasion I'm sure they'll be some laughter.  My family is entertaining and I'm sure I'll get more than enough family antics material to fill at least a week's worth of blog posts.  If you've ever watched the show "Swamp People" - you'll understand. Thanks to everyone for your kind words yesterday.  I appreciate it.

Yesterday I lost my hero, my mentor, my friend – my grandpa. It wasn’t expected, but being unexpected doesn’t make it any easier. A loss is a loss… Being the oldest of 25 grandchildren, I spent a lot of quality time with that man. I'm sure I was his favorite.  He was the referee of many spats and the disciplinary to many actions. He gave love freely and asked for nothing in return. He’ll be missed by me and the many others whose lives he touched with his presence in his 84 years. Miss you Grampy…xoxo

As I type this post (which won’t likely get posted for another day), I’m waiting for news from J. He’s at the hospital with his immediate family (mom, brother, sister) where his Dad is undergoing open heart surgery today. I decided to come to work instead of being with the family because I thought “one more cook” might be too much for the kitchen to handle…if you know what I mean. Needless to say, I’m distracted.   UPDATE:   The father-in-law came through his triple bypass surgery just fine and now the recovery begins. There are times like this when I wonder about leaving for Ecuador. I realize 5 years is a long way off, but I still worry about the “what ifs” of having aging parents and The Boy still in Canada. On the “getting ready to escape to Ecuador” front, J and I have made a list of things that need to be done around the house before we can sell it. Once again, I know 5 years is a long way off, BUT it’s a big list. About 5 years ago we completed a major...

It’s a pay week. Pay weeks are what makes working for “the man” all worthwhile. Our weather here has been very unusual. One day it is unbearably cold, windy and snowing and then the next morning, it becomes unseasonably warm, with tons of rain and then by the end of the same day, we are back to sub-arctic temperatures, flash freezing and snow. The mood swings of Mother Nature are killing my sinuses.  It's January, I guess I shouldn't complain...shouldn't and won't are two different things. I received a terrifying call from my sister-in-law yesterday telling me that my father-in-law was in the hospital with a suspected blood clot in his lungs. She went on to tell me that they suspected it was a blood clot because he had recently flown. All I could think of is “great, now I’m going to be blamed for killing their father because it was my idea to take them to Hawaii”. The requisite tests were completed, but nothing could be found and by the end of day yesterd...

Wow, it’s Thursday already.   I guess that’s what you can expect when Monday is a holiday and then Tuesday was a “sick” day and Wednesday was a catch up day at work from my “sick” day and then suddenly Thursday is upon me and it’s also pay day!      Tomorrow is Friday and then it’s the weekend.   Oh Yeah!!! *insert random dancing here*   Thanksgiving with my dad was fantastic.   We had a great time visiting and the weather was beyond anything we can typically expect in Canada this time of year.     I certainly didn’t expect to be wearing shorts and t-shirts all weekend.   I actually had to shave my legs in October – wow!   As with any holiday, the downside is the extra tonnage that creeps upon my thighs while I’m sleeping.     I can’t explain it – I purposely avoided regular beer this weekend.     Could it possibly have been the multiple pieces of pumpkin pie with whipped cream?   Nahhh…...